You can have my C36 for $7000 or the Miata for $4500. Both are turn key and in excellent condition.

I think you had the right idea with a Miata. Its just a stupidly simple car that's fun to drive.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!